Red Sox genuinely interested in Damon
When the Boston Red Sox claimed Johnny Damon off waivers, it wasn’t just an attempt to prevent other teams from signing him. The team reportedly wanted their former outfielder back.
There was speculation that the Red Sox only claimed Damon as a way to block the Tampa Bay Rays from acquiring him, but that has not been the case. Damon was a big part of the Red Sox run to the 2004 World Series and still has some good friends on the team, including David Ortiz, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield.
Damon has been booed in his returns to Fenway Park since signing with the hated Yankees in 2005. Damon signed with the Detroit Tigers this past offseason and has grown to like the organization. Damon has leaned towards staying with the Tigers, as he has the option according to his contract to prevent a trade to Boston.
Damon will make his final decision after meeting with the Tigers’ organization. His teammates have told him they would like him to stay and believe they’re still alive in the playoff race. Damon said he’d like that but wants to be assured he’ll get playing time for the rest of the season.
"I think we're still in this," Damon said of the struggling Tigers. "But I've got to know whether they're going to keep playing me or whether they're going to go with the younger guys. If I'm not going to play as much, the decision is a no-brainer."
If Damon decides to waive his no-trade clause then the Tigers and Red Sox would either have to work out a deal, or he’d be let go for nothing. The Red Sox need some help in the outfield as Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron are done for the season. His old teammates have tried to get him to climb aboard and be a part of the Sox’ run to the postseason in a late season attempt to overcome their injuries and make the playoffs.
"Papi is very excited," Damon said. "He thinks I could make quite a difference. I love those guys. They know that. But I'm trying to make the best decision for myself and my family."
Damon had an ugly parting with the team in 2005, when they did not offer the kind of contract he wanted. Being seen as a hero in Boston, fans considered him a traitor when he signed with the New York Yankees. Damon said that has affected him somewhat but feels that if he once again contributed to the Red Sox, that relationship could be healed.
"I had a great time playing there," said Damon. "I told the team what it would take, in terms of dollars and years – but it got ugly when it became apparent that re-signing me wasn't a priority. If I do this, and we pulled everything together and I could help them get into the postseason, it would change everything again."
Fans in Boston may have mixed reactions but a reunion could be special if the old bond between Damon and his teammates is relived. At heart, he exhibited what the Red Sox were all about and a reunion could be something to remember.
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